ADNOC and Schlumberger sign licensing agreement

Thursday, 10 November 2016 04:27

The system was developed by ADNOC and manufactured in the UAE. (Image source: ADNOC)The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has entered into an agreement with Schlumberger to license ADNOC’s proprietary offshore drilling technology for use in Schlumberger’s portfolio of drilling services

The licensing agreement was signed at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) by ADNOC’s director of exploration, development and production Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy and Schlumberger’s General Manager and Vice President, UAE, Djamel Idri at ADIPEC, one of the world’s most influential oil and gas shows.

The stabilising system for deep drilling (SSDD) technology greatly improves offshore drilling operations by improving borehole stability and reducing drill times, with significant potential savings for operating companies. The licensing of the SSDD system represents the first time a proprietary ADNOC technology will have been commercialised abroad.

Al Kindy said, “The international licensing of this technology represents an important milestone for the company. The SSDD greatly reduces complications in the offshore drilling process, where conditions are often challenging and costs are high. We are excited to see this invention shared through this global agreement, which will spread ADNOC’s technological expertise worldwide.”

The system was developed by ADNOC drilling department manager Fahed Al Ameri and ADMA OPCO drilling technical support manager Farhaad Khaled Saeed Mohamed Al Awadhi and is manufactured in the UAE.

“The addition of the SSDD technology to Schlumberger’s industry-leading portfolio of drilling tools and services presents an opportunity to improve drilling performance in offshore operations,” said Idri. “By minimising down-time and increasing drilling stability, operators stand to reap savings in both time and unexpected costs.” Downhole stability has been a major challenge for offshore operators, where environmental concerns prevent the use of many additives to drilling fluid.